11.6
The Hyoid Bone
The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does n…
The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone present in the anterior of the neck, between the mandible and the larynx.
Its primary function is to act as an attachment site for muscles of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx; as a result, it plays an essential role in speaking, breathing, and swallowing.
The hyoid is a unique bone suspended by the stylohyoid ligaments from the styloid processes of the skull, with no direct connection to any other bone of the axial skeleton.
It comprises a body and two pair of horns called the greater cornua and the lesser cornua.
The body is horizontal and quadrilateral shaped with a convex anterior and a concave posterior surface.
The greater cornua are attached to the lateral ends of the body and project posterolaterally. They are posteriorly tapered, ending in a tubercle.
The lesser cornua are tiny conical projections attached to the junction of the body and greater cornua. They project laterally and upwards.
View the full transcript and gain access to JoVE Core videos
Q1: Where is the hyoid bone located in the neck?
The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone positioned in the anterior neck between the mandible and larynx. It sits at the level of the inferior mandible with its tips pointing posteriorly. Unlike other bones, the hyoid is suspended by stylohyoid ligaments from the styloid processes of the skull and has no direct connection to any other bone.
Q2: What are the main structural components of the hyoid bone?
The hyoid bone consists of a central horizontal body with a convex anterior and concave posterior surface. Two pairs of horn-like projections called cornua extend from the body: the greater cornua attach to the lateral ends and project posterolaterally, while the smaller lesser cornua are tiny conical projections that project laterally and upward.
Q3: How does the hyoid bone support swallowing and speaking?
The hyoid bone serves as the attachment site for muscles of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx. Small muscles attached above or below move the hyoid up, down, forward, or backward in coordination with tongue, larynx, and pharynx movements during swallowing and speaking, making it essential for these functions.
Q4: What role does the hyoid bone play in maintaining airway function?
The hyoid bone is vital for airway patency. The region between the oropharynx above and tracheal rings below the hyoid helps maintain an open airway. Additionally, the hyoid connects to the larynx and supports respiratory functions through its attachment to muscles controlling airway positioning during breathing.
Q5: When does the hyoid bone ossify during development?
Hyoid ossification begins toward the end of fetal development, starting in the greater cornua and completing in the body shortly after birth. The fibrous material connecting the greater cornua to the body ossifies later, toward middle age, making the hyoid unique in its prolonged ossification timeline.
Q6: How does the hyoid bone contribute to digestive functions?
The hyoid bone aids digestive functions by supporting tongue movement and mastication through muscle attachments. It also plays a critical role in swallowing and preventing regurgitation by coordinating movements of the pharynx and larynx, making it integral to the orofacial complex.
Q7: What muscles and ligaments attach to the hyoid bone?
The stylohyoid ligaments suspend the hyoid from the styloid processes of the skull. The greater cornua attach stylohyoid and thyrohyoid muscles and ligaments, while the lesser cornua connect to the body through fibrous tissue. These attachments enable the hyoid to move and support functions of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx.